INTERNATIONAL LEGAL REGULATION OF NEW SYNTHETIC DRUGS: CHALLENGES, DEVELOPMENTS, AND PROSPECTS

Аннотация

The emergence and rapid proliferation of new synthetic drugs (NSDs), also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), present one of the most pressing legal and public health challenges of the 21st century. These substances often mimic the effects of traditional narcotics but evade control due to structural novelty. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the international legal regulation of NSDs, assessing current frameworks such as the UN drug control conventions, regional mechanisms in the European Union, and national models in countries like the United States, China, and Uzbekistan. Particular focus is given to the gaps in legal response, issues of jurisdiction, and the dynamic nature of drug design. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations for a more effective, science-based, and human rights-compliant global drug control regime.